A Coffee Maker Creates a Stylish Kitchen

There’s no doubt that a coffee maker creates a stylish kitchen. For most people, it feels like the kitchen isn’t complete without a coffee maker gracing the countertop. Across the world, drinking coffee is seen as relaxing, enjoyable and the perfect way to socialize with friends and family. Since coffee makers are used on a daily basis, they are almost always kept on the countertop, within easy reach, and for all to see. With an array of programmable features, LED lighting and sophisticated carafes, it’s easy to find a coffee maker that fits the design and style of your kitchen.

Coffee makers come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are large and have a square-shaped house, while others are small and rounded in design. Because so many coffee pots have neat features such as built-in grinders and the option to brew a single cup or full pot of coffee, many of the newer models are larger in size. This is actually quite the opposite of other appliances that are offering smaller footprints, but most people agree that the larger design of their coffee maker affords them more brewing options.

With contemporary designs being most popular, you can expect more than just black and white coffee pots with glass carafes to choose from. Some coffee machines are made in bright, bold colors such as red or pink, while others have stainless steel carafes with insulated layers for keeping the coffee warm. Many of today’s coffee pots also sport a European flair, so you can expect to find interesting features such as stainless steel housing and sleek curvature.

You’ll also notice that many of today’s coffee makers are not just for making coffee. Some can serve up delicious cups of espresso or foamy cappuccino all from one machine. This allows you to entertain with a combination of popular coffee drinks from the convenience of your countertop. And with black, stainless steel and brushed nickel being most popular, you can integrate a stunning coffee machine into your kitchen, while keeping it consistent with the rest of your appliances.

Modern-day kitchens are built around efficiency, so you’ll find such perks as double ovens and programmable features on all appliances. Your coffee maker will keep consistent with these features and help you to be most efficient around the kitchen, as you brew your pot of coffee in the morning or late afternoon. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that the machine has the proper footprint for your kitchen, so don’t be afraid to get the measurements before making the final purchase.

Tips for Cleaning Your Coffee Maker

When you first bring your coffee maker home, you never imagine it could get so – dirty! But it does, and then you’re left cleaning it. Fortunately, cleaning the machine is an easy task, and with a few helpful tips, you can actually prolong the life of your coffee maker and have better tasting coffee as a result.

To clean a coffee machine, start by removing the coffee filter and then adding vinegar to the water reservoir. Pour the vinegar in until the reservoir is about one-quarter filled, and then add water until completely filled. Turn the coffee machine on and let it run until it’s cooled, which is usually about ten minutes.

Run the vinegar and water through another cycle and let the machine cool for another ten minutes. To complete the process, run a cycle of just water through the coffee machine and thoroughly wash the carafe and filter basket with soap and water. Make sure you don’t spray any chemicals or other cleaners onto the carafe; just warm, soapy water will do the trick.

You may read information about using lemon or baking soda, but vinegar is the best solution for the job. If you haven’t cleaned your coffee maker in a while, you may need to continue rinsing the machine out with vinegar and water in order to remove the foul taste. If you keep up with the cleaning cycles every couple of months, you won’t run into bad tasting coffee or a dirty machine.

This cleaning cycle should be done every two to three months in order to keep your coffee machine running at its top performance and producing fresh tasting coffee. Cleaning the machine with vinegar will remove buildup and impurities and will ultimately help improve the taste and quality of the coffee. Furthermore, when water drips from the coffee machine and allows bacteria to breed, you inadvertently drink these bacteria, which can be harmful to your health.

Not only do you want to clean the inside of your coffee maker, but also the outside. To keep the appliance looking its best, use a microfiber cloth that will remove debris, dust and excess coffee grounds. Microfiber clothes are ideal because they won’t scratch the surface of the machine.

Now that your machine is clean, be sure to use distilled or spring water instead of tap water that has many more impurities. Paper filters are cleaner and tossed away with each use, unlike permanent filters that are difficult to keep clean. And finally, if you notice a certain type of coffee causing buildup, switch to a new brand and give the machine a thorough clean.

Krups KM9008 Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker

When you want to make a hot cup of coffee at your convenience, the Krups KM9008 Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker is the perfect machine to have. What makes this coffee maker stand apart from others is that it has Precise Warming Technology that keeps the coffee tasting freshly brewed for up to four hours. This feature is perfect for people who love coffee, but don’t always get a chance to drink it first thing in the morning. You can also enjoy a range of practical features that include dual-programming, a three level drip tray and countdown timer. Finally – a coffee machine where the last cup is as good as the first.



Krups KM9008 Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker Specifications:

Average Price: $300.00

Product Dimensions: 14 x 9.9 x 14.6 inches; 9.9 pounds

Capacity: 12 cups

Warranty: One year

Features: Dual programming, volume programming, 3 level removable drip tray, countdown timer, Precise Warming Technology

Find a great price here for the Krups KM9008 Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker

What’s So Great About the Krups KM9008 Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker?

Warming Technology: With the Krups Cup On Request, you get the patented Precise Warming Technology that ensures constant and regulated temperature. This dual heating system ensures unchanged temperature up to four hours after the coffee is brewed. That means you get the freshest tasting coffee if you pour yourself a cup immediately after brewing or hours later. The stainless steel carafe also contributes to the steady temperature of the coffee. The patented Precise Warming Technology is exclusive to Krups.

Features: The sky is the limit with the Krups Cup On Request Coffee Maker, as there is a range of features that allow you to brew that perfect cup of coffee. Since there is no coffee pot, you can fill a small or large mug at your convenience, while the dual-programming makes it possible to set the coffee maker for weekends and weekdays. A removable, stainless steel water tank is included and features a water window with angled control. A handy countdown timer lets you know how long your coffee has been sitting, while a three level removable drip tray accommodates all cup sizes and makes clean up easy.

Aesthetics: The Krups Cup On Request Coffee Maker will certainly be a nice addition to your kitchen. Unlike other machines that have large housing, this Krups maker is small and compact, fitting neatly on any countertop or table. It features a black and stainless steel exterior and is easy to keep clean with the removable drip tray; a simple wipe does the trick. Even with all the fun features that this machine has, it offers a streamlined design with easy push buttons, a clock and handy timer.

What’s Not So Great About the Krups KM9008 Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker?

Basket Filter: Most of Krups’ machines have a cone filter, so some buyers were thrown off by the basket filter that is included with this maker. Cone filters are considered to be better at getting a stronger, more robust tasting coffee, whereas basket filters are a bit weaker. If you like stronger coffee, you can try putting more coffee grounds in the basket filter to get the same taste. Also, you’ll want to be careful when removing the filter to discard the coffee grounds, as it will drip all over. A good trick is to place the garbage can directly under so you can drop the filter in.

Plastic: If you’re a person who likes stainless steel internal parts in your coffee makers, you’ll find that the Krups Cup On Request is made from plastic parts instead. The machine is lightweight yet durable, and most users have had no problems with the machine falling short on its construction. However, the internal parts are plastic, the drip tray is a bit flimsy and most of the exterior is made from plastic. When shopping in this price range, know that coffee makers will feature plastic parts, as this material is cost-effective yet sturdy. And Krups uses only BPA-free plastics in their products.

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Is the Krups KM9008 Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker a Great Purchase?

The Krups Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker is the perfect purchase for any coffee lover that enjoys a hot cup of coffee throughout the day. You can make the coffee in the morning and continue to enjoy the same delicious taste up to four hours later. And, there’s no need to waste coffee in the process since the patented warming technology and stainless steel carafe keeps the coffee tasting freshly brewed. With a sleek design, one-year warranty and array of versatile features – our favorite being the dual-programming for weekends and weekdays – you’ll fall in love with this coffee maker that is the portrait of convenience.

Buy the Krups KM9008 Cup On Request 12 Cup Coffee Maker at a big saving here

Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for a beautiful coffee maker that sports a European flair, stainless steel and chrome construction and wooden accents, the Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker is exactly what you need. Smartly designed, this coffee machine produces excellent results each and every time. It’s simple to use and won’t give you any headaches with unnecessary buttons and features. With a low maintenance design and a thermal carafe that will keep coffee hot for hours, the Krups KT600 will be a lovely addition to your kitchen.

Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe


Coffee Maker Specifications:

Average Price: $180.00

Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.5 x 13 inches; 7.3 pounds

Capacity: 10 cups

Exterior: Stainless steel, chrome, wood optics

Features: Water level indicator, illuminated on/off switch, automatic shut off, anti drip function, thermal carafe

Find a great price here for the Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel/Chrome

What’s So Great About the Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker?

Temperature: If you don’t always get a chance to drink a hot cup of coffee as soon as it’s brewed, you’ll love what the Krups KT600 has to offer. The thermal carafe keeps the coffee piping hot so that you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee hours later. With the highly functional thermal carafe, there’s no need for a heating plate or burner to keep the coffee warm, and you never sacrifice taste in the process.

Ease of Use: Some of today’s coffee makers are quite complicated to use, but this coffee machine is simple and straightforward, plus it consistently produces exceptional results. Perhaps this is because the machine lacks features and just focuses on making great coffee. Really, all you have to do is push the on button to get the coffee brewing, and your hot cup of coffee will be up within minutes. If you’re interested in results and getting there without a bunch of complicated features, the Krups KT600 is for you.

Aesthetics: The Krups KT600 was created by some of Europe’s top designers, so the machine is nothing short of unparalleled perfection. With a stainless steel and high glass chrome body, this coffee maker sits beautifully on any countertop. It looks like it’s worth hundreds of dollars and will certainly look stunning next to stainless steel appliances. Plus, you get a European-influenced design that focuses on sleekness, style and sophistication wrapped into one brilliant machine.

What’s Not So Great About the Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker?

Carafe Design: The design of the carafe isn’t exactly ingenious. It pours very slow, which is a minor drawback and one that fortunately will not affect the taste of the coffee. But for those that are in a hurry in the mornings, you’ll be spending about a minute or so pouring yourself a cup of coffee with the slow drip design on the carafe. If you try to force the coffee out faster, you’ll end dribbling coffee all over, so just be sure that you understand the slow pouring on the carafe. Also, it can be difficult to get the last few ounces of coffee out of the pot, as it needs to be completely turned upside down. Once again, this can prove a bit messy if you don’t handle it carefully. Most users had no problems with these limitations and instead just had to get comfortable with the odd design.

Lack of Features: The Krups KT600 certainly makes great coffee, but it won’t do much else. This is a great perk to some people, but if you’re looking for fun features to play around with, this coffee maker may not be for you. It doesn’t have flashing lights, timers or programmable settings, and it won’t tell time. This can be a drawback for some people, especially as there are plenty of coffee makers on the market that cost less than this Krups and have a lot more features to work with. While the features offer users more control, many people find that they don’t use them and instead want a coffee maker that just produces great results.

Find more reviews here for the Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel/Chrome

Is the Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker a Great Purchase?

The Krups KT600 is a smart purchase for a coffee lover who wants to stick to making great coffee and isn’t in the market for modern-day features. While the machine may not be chock full of programmable settings, it's easy to use and there’s not much that can break on it, so you can expect it to last for years. And, the Krups machine looks great, producing delicious coffee without any effort on your part.

Buy the Krups KT600 Silver Art Collection 10 European Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel/Chrome at a big saving here

Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker

The Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker is a wonderful accent piece to the modern-day kitchen. The single-serve machine uses Nespresso capsules that can be purchased in a variety of flavors such as Roma, Vanilla and Dark Chocolate. The machine holds up to 11 capsules so that you can use the espresso maker multiple times before having to empty it. With options to brew either Espresso or Lungo, you can choose the perfect brew for your taste. The Nespresso CitiZ is attractive, as the design is ultra sleek and compact so that you can fit it anywhere on your countertop. It's fast and efficient, making the espresso maker a top choice for coffee lovers.


Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker Specifications:

Average Price: $279.99

Product Dimensions: 8 x 13.5 x 10 inches

Colors: Red, titanium, aluminum

Features: 19 bars of pressure, energy power saving mode, folding drip tray, automatic flow stop, programmable buttons

Find a great price here for the Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker, Red

What’s So Great About the Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker?

Simple: There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a delicious espresso without the hassle. With the Nespresso CitiZ, you can enjoy perfect cups of espresso in minutes and without any mess on your part. Simply place the mug of your choice under the coffee outlet, hit the “on” switch, insert a capsule, close the lever and press the Espresso or Lungo button. Your drink will be freshly brewed in minutes, with the flow of the coffee varying with the type of coffee that you choose. There’s no need to measure, control temperatures or tamp at various pressures.

Efficient: Not only is the Nespresso CitiZ effortless, but it’s efficient at what it does. With 19-bars of pressure, you can expect that all the aromas and flavors come to life in as little as 30 seconds. Start up time is approximately one minute, so in as little as two minutes, you'll have your cup of espresso. You can also enjoy the perfect amount of crema, giving each espresso the best foamy layer you’ve tasted in a long time. It’s easy to entertain with the Nespresso CitiZ by your side, as the results are always delicious and consistent. Plus, you won’t waste any coffee in the meantime by experimenting with different temperatures, pressures and grinds.

Design: Current owners can’t get enough of this urban-driven machine that is the picture of practicality and simplicity. The Nespresso CitiZ is compact and can fit anywhere you want it to. Even though it’s small, the espresso maker is powerful, with 19-bars of pressure and 1260-watts of power. The single-serve machine is available in black, titanium and aluminum colors so that you can easily match the machine to your current kitchen décor. You can also enjoy programmable volume control and folding cup support so that you can position the piece for a cup or a macchiato glass.

What’s Not So Great About the Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker?

Noisy: Yes, this machine is certainly loud. But since it only takes about 30 seconds to brew the espresso, the machine is only loud during this time. The noise comes from the pump, and since the Nespresso CitiZ has some serious pressure, you can expect that this will make some noise. For most people, the noise doesn’t matter, as the sound lets you know that the machine is quality-made and performs true pressure. But if you’re an early riser, this machine may just wake up a few family members.

Capsules: Like any Nespresso machine, you have to buy the capsules directly from Nestle over the internet or phone. The idea of using pods is no longer foreign to most people however, as the majority of single-serve coffee makers utilize these handy pods and capsules. Plus, the pods are what enable you to enjoy a delicious espresso without the preparation and mess. The best tactic is to buy the pods in bulk and purchase a refillable capsule that allows you to get more out of the investment by using your own grinds.

Find more reviews here for the Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker, Red

Is the Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker a Great Purchase?

The Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker is indeed an excellent purchase for espresso lovers who want the enjoyment of drinking espressos without having to balance temperature, pressure and grind. With this machine, all you have to do is pop in a capsule, and a few minutes later, the perfect cup of espresso is brewed. You can expect consistent results and take advantage of the compact design that won’t take up any space in the kitchen. With its refreshing design and programmable features, you will enjoy the Nespresso CitiZ for years to come. Most importantly, the espresso maker produces the best tasting espresso and foamy layer of crema - and you can’t beat that.

Buy the Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker, Red at a big saving here

Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker

If you want great tasting espresso without the hassle, the Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker is the best option. This machine uses Nespresso capsules that come in a variety of flavors. Simply pop in the capsule, press the button and out comes a delicious cup of espresso – no mess, no fuss. The machine is lightweight and compact, with a sleek and stylish design that looks great in any kitchen. Best of all, you get consistent results and the best tasting espresso – all for an affordable price.

Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker




Specifications:

Average Price: $249.99

Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 10.2 x 13.5 inches

Features: Backlit on/off, coffee volume buttons, 0.9 Liter removable water tank, 19 bars of pressure

Brews: 40 mL for Espresso, 110 mL for Lungo

Weight: Six pounds

Find a great price here for the Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker, Titanium Grey

What’s So Great About the Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker?

Compact: The Nespresso Essenza C101 is part of a compact line that focuses on practicality and convenience. The espresso maker is not big and bulky like other machines and will sit perfectly on any sized countertop. It weighs in at six pounds, so you can easily clean and maneuver the machine without breaking a sweat. And don’t expect the compact size and lightweight features of this product to compromise quality or style. The Nespresso Essenza C101 is available in black or titanium and sports a stylish, sophisticated design.

Simplistic: Many espresso machines can be tricky to use, taking weeks or even months to get the perfect balance. Not only can this be frustrating for people that just want a good cup of espresso, but also you can waste a lot of coffee this way. With the Nespresso Essenza, you can start brewing up cups of espresso without any effort. A simple touch of a button does the trick, and no formal lessons or tutorials are necessary. Just drop in a Nespresso pod of your choice, push the “on” button and 30 seconds later, your espresso will be done.

Consistent: One of the greatest advantages to pod espresso makers is their consistency. Since you don’t have to balance water temperature, grind size and tamp strength, you can just pop the capsule in and expect the same great results every time. This saves on the headaches and frustration, plus ensures that you won’t waste any coffee in the process. Plus, you never have to worry when you have guests over, as you can let everyone choose their own flavor and get the same consistent results for each.

What’s Not So Great About the Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker?

Pods: The Nespresso Essenza only takes pod coffees, more specifically, Nespresso capsules. There are many flavors available which is a nice perk, but you are limited to the pods that Nespresso offers and cannot use your own coffee flavors. Fortunately, the Nespresso pod coffees make great tasting espresso, although some people find them a bit weak and watered down. Just remember that you are trading the convenience of not having to actually make your own espressos with using pod coffee varieties. Some users also found that many of the capsules arrive dented, and this can make it more difficult for the bar to open the capsules properly.

Memory: Unlike other machines that have many programmable features, the Nespresso Essenza C101 does not. There are features you can play around with, but you’ll have to re-set them the next time you use the machine. Fortunately, most users don’t mind setting their espresso machines first thing in the morning, but for those that like the convenience of intuitive appliances, this machine falls a bit short.

Temperature: The Nespresso Essenza C101 doesn’t exactly make espresso drinks at the hottest temperature, so if you like your coffee super hot, you’ll have to make some adjustments. Some users simply heat up their espresso cup beforehand so that the espresso is warmer, while others settle for a slightly cooler temperature. But for those that don’t need their espressos to be piping hot, you’ll find the Nespresso machine to be a perfect temperature.

Find more reviews here for the Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker, Titanium Grey

Is the Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker a Great Purchase?

If you’re interested in making great tasting espressos without having to balance the ingredients and temperature on your own, the Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker is the perfect purchase. It has a streamlined design that’s available in black or titanium, and it’s easy to use and works efficiently with Nespresso pods. The machine is low maintenance, so you can expect years of worry-free use. And even though it may not be packed full of features, that means less to break and less to maintain, with the machine focusing solely on making great tasting espresso. With an affordable price tag, this espresso maker won't break the bank, either.

Buy the Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker, Titanium Grey at a big saving here

Why You Should Buy a Decent Coffee Maker

With so many appliances on the market, it’s hard to know where you should splurge and where you should save. When it comes to purchasing a coffee maker, always remember the golden rule: Buy a decent model. That’s not to say that you have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a top-end model, but a decent coffee pot is surely worth the effort.

There are two main reasons why you should purchase a decent coffee machine. First, you use a coffee maker on a regular basis, most likely once a day or more. Any appliance that is used regularly deserves more of an investment. Second, the quality of the machine is a direct result of how the coffee will taste, and better quality machines are known for producing flavorful, non-stale cups of joe.

When talking about price, there are many features that will inflate the cost. Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the more expensive machines have updated designs, so expect a few fun colors, contemporary builds and sleek exteriors to choose from. Paying more for a coffee maker will also get you more programmable features. You can expect to have a timer, which is a great option for those who are forgetful in the mornings.

Higher-priced coffee makers also come with pause ‘n serve features, auto shut-off features and possibly even built-in bean grinders that allow you to grind up fresh beans for the best tasting coffee. Not only should you be looking at the physical design and features of the product, but also the carafe. Glass carafes tend to be the cheapest options, and while they look pretty sitting on the shelf, they get dirty and discolor rather quickly. You’ll pay a bit more for stainless steel, but the downfall to steel is that you can’t see how full the coffee pot is.

A more expensive option is an insulated carafe, which is solid on the outside and has insulated layers to keep the coffee warmer for longer. Insulated coffee pots also do not need to sit on a heated plate, preventing the coffee from overheating and having a burnt taste. Higher-priced coffee machines often have water filters built into them, which reduce water impurities such as chlorine and iron. While favorable, these filters do need to be changed and can be pricey to replace.

Your best bet is to stay with a moderately priced coffee machine. There’s no reason to overdo it, but you certainly want a coffee machine that produces great tasting cups of coffee, has an array of programmable features and looks attractive on your countertop.